Those of us who woke and packed early had time for one last treat. A few of us overloaded a taxi and took of for a special visit.
Mike Pastryk of the Rotary Club of Cotati-Rohnert Park first visited Casa Kamami last year during the Festival of Brotherhood. It is a group home for 20 girls who had been victims of sexual abuse by their families. Mike's first visit was a revelation for him. At that time the program to help these girls was strong, but the facility was not. There were electrical and plumbing problems. Programs like this do not receive public funding, so there were serious financial issues. Mike stepped in. He returned mid year with funds and plans. The electrical and plumbing issues were resolved. Mike made local contacts and is rousing support. The girls, seeing Mike (he is 6'7" and outgoing) and hearing he was a Rotary Club president misunderstood and thought he was President of the United States. As far as they are concerned he might as well be.
Ellen Brown had been knitting scarves all winter for the girls, here they are selecting and trying them on as Ellen enjoys their enthusiasm.
The girls do their own housekeeping and go to school or work. The home is crowded but clean and pleasant. The girls receive therapy, have structure care for each other and are well cared for. The important thing is that they have security. A girl can remain at the home as long as she needs to.
Mike is an enthusiastic person. While he is happy to make daily life easier for the girls and staff of Casa Kamami, he is not stopping there. Mike is in process of arranging a vacation opportunity for 12 of the girls. He is arranging a two week visit to Sonoma County as a short cultural experience. He is soliciting funds and host families for those girls to have a great experience. To qualify, the girls have to earn the privledge by managing their personal goals and behaviors. You go Mike! You go Girls!
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